Female colonoscopy is widely practiced to examine the probable cause of several intestinal complications. It is estimated that approx. 15 million females undergo colonoscopy each year so that pelvic health could be kept healthy.

Female colonoscopy is a relatively safe and painless procedure, but some myths are associated with it suggesting it is challenging and uncomfortable.

Let’s delve into the article to know the procedure and its associated guidelines.  

What Does it Mean by Female Colonoscopy?

The female colonoscopy states the procedure in which the intestine, specifically the colon is thoroughly examined to detect anomalies or diseases.

The procedure is done using a thin tube called a colonoscope which comprises a light for clear visualization and a camera.

Colon health is significant as it is significant for the food passageway right after the GI tract to dispose of waste materials via its attachment to the anus.

Furthermore, colonoscopy also involves an endoscopic biopsy of tissue samples in the colon, and unwanted clumps of cells surrounding the colon i.e., polyps, can be removed during this procedure. 

What does Female Colonoscopy Preparation Involve?

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of body organs, so it may involve cleansing the bowel beforehand, and several dietary changes must be made properly as per the doctor’s prescription, so the procedure may be carried out smoothly.

• The patient must drink water, broth, and liquid stuff only before the procedure is scheduled.
• The physician must suggest light meals or more preferably liquid diet two days before the colonoscopy.
• You should take a pill of laxative recommended by your physician a day before the procedure.
• You should take a bath before going to the clinic as it may relax your muscles.
• Females are suggested to take enemas before a colonoscopy as it aids in emptying their bowels.
• Females must let their physician know about any medications they are taking such as aspirin which helps in thinning blood, or the ones containing iron and which helps in treating hypertension as it may interfere with the examination.

Female Colonoscopy Procedure: Pre & Post-Examination Guidelines  

For a successful examination of the colon, proper instructions must be followed as the outcomes will not be satisfactory and the procedure will have to be repeated, which causes many loses and is extremely frustrating. 

Many instructions must be followed before the procedure, during, and after the procedures.

Pre-examination guidelines

1.     You must take an enema kit beforehand, so the bowel is emptied properly. Drink lots of fluids about half an hour before the examination.

• Apply destined or Vaseline around the anus to avoid irritation.
• The female must soak in warm water after the passing of stool and must use wet wipes to properly clean the area.
• The patient must keep cotton balls around the anus to prevent leakage.

Female Colonoscopy Procedure Explanation

The guidelines before examination must be followed properly so that further procedures can be carried out smoothly.

However, some things must be considered appropriately by both examiner and the patient.

• The colonoscopy requires a thin, long, and flexible tube that is inserted into the rectum via the anus. 
• A colonoscopy is not a prolonged procedure and can be over within half an hour.
• The patient is given a sedative before the procedure to make her drowsy and relaxed.
• The female during colonoscopy must lie on the left side and draw up her knees towards the chest so that the tube could be inserted easily.
• The patient may be asked to take deep breaths to avoid cramps in muscles and so that colon walls may expand to give a clear image of the internal lining.
• After the camera detects the images, the colonoscopy is pulled out slowly.

Post-Examination Guidelines

The female may take some time to recover after the colonoscopy and must follow all the instructions given by the physician to avoid any complications afterward.

1. Recovery time may vary in females and must be kept in observation for some time after a colonoscopy.
2. Patient must avoid driving, alcohol for at least a day.
3. If a biopsy or removal of polyps takes place, then avoid blood thinning medications.
4. Some patients may experience light bleeding after a female colonoscopy which is common, but if there’s heavy bleeding then you must consult with your physician.

Female Colonoscopy Procedure Position

During a colonoscopy, females are asked to lie down on their left side with knees drawn upwards towards the chest in a supine position. This position allows easier access to the colonoscopy thin tube into the rectum.

Why Colonoscopy for a Female is Necessary?

• Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer in females. People are not aware ta hat female’s colon is longer than a male’s as it provides space for the uterus and bladder and examining a female’s colon proves to be challenging. 
• Colonoscopy for females is necessary to examine which attached organs are being influenced.
• Colonoscopy is a great means to diagnose problems in the GI tract, i.e., rectal bleeding, diarrhea, stomach aches, and constipation.
• Colonoscopy proves to be efficacious in detecting symptoms of probable cancers at early stages as polyps will be removed at each examination.
• Regular colonoscopies ensure good pelvic health.

When Colonoscopy for a Female is Recommended?

Females are recommended to have regular colonoscopies at the age of menopause. Doctors also suggest they have regular screening every decade even if there is no apparent symptom or anomaly.

Colonoscopies are strictly recommended if you have a family history that increases your chances of having a colorectal complication, so you must get examined at an earlier age and more frequently.

Risks Involved in Female Colonoscopy

The female colonoscopy procedure is harmless and does not contribute to any risk. However, some situations can be discomforting. The complications may include:

• Irregular breathing rate
• Nausea
• Light bleeding through the rectum
• Bloating & Constipation
• Rectal tear
• Abdominal pain
• Fever & chills

In a female colonoscopy, women don’t feel discomfort during the procedure due to the sedative but when sedation wears off, the abdominal pain and cramping are inevitable which goes away within a day, but if it persists consult with your doctor.

Interpretation of Female Colonoscopy Results

Once the colonoscopy procedure is done, the female may be required to consult the doctor for the interpretation the of results.

• If the results of the colonoscopy are positive, then the female possesses cancerous or pre-cancerous cells inside the body and must be surgically removed immediately.
• If the results are negative, then it will pose some Other negative consequences such as polyps which are removed, or if other conditions i.e., diverticulitis occurs then it will be treated as per the doctor’s recommendation.

95% of colorectal cancers are examined by colonoscopy procedures as its quite a reliable procedure.

Bottom-Line

Female colonoscopy is a thorough examination of the female colon. The procedure involves some pre-procedure guidelines to prep up your colon for the actual procedure and the female may require to lie down in a supine position during the female colonoscopy procedure.

The post-procedure instructions may bring some discomfort but it passes away within 24 hours. After the colonoscopy procedure, the doctor may recommend follow-up guidelines as per the results.

FAQs on Female Colonoscopy

What happens during a colonoscopy for a woman?

The colonoscope is inserted into the woman’s anus towards the rectum while she is laid down in a supine position. It inflates the large intestine and through the camera internal organs are visualized.

Is the female colonoscopy procedure painful?

No, the female colonoscopy procedure itself is painless. However, after the procedure patients may feel minimal pain but some doctors may give medications that prevent post-procedure pain as well.

How long does a female colonoscopy take?

The procedure takes 15-20 minutes but aesthesis may take different times in different patients to wear off.

Is colonoscopy high risk?

The colonoscopy procedure is relatively safe and doesn’t cause any risk. Slight discomfort may occur but that’s normal.

Can I eat normally after a colonoscopy?

You can consume your diet normally, but it’s suggested that you take lighter meals right after your procedure.

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